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University Advanced Diploma in Management and Coordination of Family Liaison

Focus on managing and coordinating family liaison for serious and complex investigations or major incidents. Explore the roles and responsibilities of the Family Liaison Coordinator. Reflect upon and explore personal experiences from your workplace practice.

A group of students sitting on sofas and at tables
LevelShort courses and CPD
Duration12 months
Fee£720
AwardUniversity Advanced Diploma
Course codeCID1514

Course summary

This short course will allow you to enhance your skills and knowledge of managing and coordinating family liaisons for serious investigations and major incidents. You'll examine the strategies and risk assessments involved, as well as provide tactical advice to the Senior Investigating Officer.

You'll consider other stakeholders in the deployment of family liaison officers and the importance of effective communication and negotiation with them. You'll also explore the practicalities of the role and the importance of monitoring the deployment, plus the consideration of the welfare of both the families and staff.

Throughout the module, you'll be introduced to structures designed to support the deployments and explore how to use relevant material in support of the development of the family liaison strategy and risk assessment.

You're required to attend university for face-to-face teaching sessions for all three days at your chosen location. The remainder of your learning will consist of self-directed study and work-based learning, although you will have access to materials and your Programme Leaders throughout the course.

What you'll study

Topics covered will include:

  • The roles and responsibilities of the family liaison coordinator and adviser
  • The structure of a family liaison deployment strategy document
  • The structure of a family liaison deployment risk assessment document
  • Welfare considerations for the families and family liaison officers
  • The partnerships involved in family liaison deployments
  • The evaluation of deployment material, ensuring accurate records of family engagement are maintained
  • The importance of debriefing.

You'll gain 40 credits at the end of the module.

How you'll learn

Teaching and learning are a combination of presentations, group work/discussions, practical exercises, formative assessment activities, and tutorials. Discussions will take place in both small and large groups to facilitate the ethos of teamwork and enhance communication and presentation skills.

Independent study (guided learning which isn't directly supervised) will consist of private study time, preparation for assessments, work-based learning, and problem-based learning. This will involve you identifying gaps in your own knowledge and skills and defining ways to bridge the gaps with new knowledge, understanding, and behaviour.

Entry requirements

Fees and finance support

The employer usually meets course costs – we advise you to speak to your workforce development lead before applying.

We also accept self-funded applicants and encourage anyone wishing to explore their options to contact cpd@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab).

Apply now

Contact the Corporate and Professional Education team for further information about applying for this course by calling 0191 515 3361(opens in new tab) or emailing cpd@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab).